The pet shop looked the same as always. Nie Yan found his way toward Collinson past rows of cages inhabited by all kinds of pets. “Beast Tamer Collinson, I have a request for you,” Nie Yan said. He had no idea how to get to the backroom Guo Huai had mentioned. As he looked around, he spotted a small door hidden by a few cages. It bore a sign that read “personnel only”. He couldn’t simply walk in all willy nilly. He would ask Collinson for permission first.

“I’m willing to serve,” Collinson said respectfully.

“It’s like this. I’ve recently captured a Violet Eye Dragon. I need your help to tame it,” Nie Yan said.

“Great Prophet, bring the Violet Eye Dragon to me, and I’ll help you tame it.”

Nie Yan shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t do that due to some special circumstances. Please, could you come to Okoron with me? I promise to reward you generously.”

Collinson made an awkward expression. He pondered for a moment before asking, “What...